Summit County Fishing Report: The big thaw means good news for fishermen
Special to the Daily
There are lots of fishing opportunities this week on both still and moving water. The rivers have been nice and clear, but with the warming waters expect rivers, especially the lower sections of the Colorado, Roaring Fork, and Eagle Rivers to discolor quickly.
With the recent snows, anglers received good news from Denver Water Board. Antero Reservoirs was slated to be drained. That decision has been reversed and will remain open to anglers this season. Also, the special limits have been rescinded and once again two fish limits are in place.
As of Monday, Spinney Mountain Reservoir was opened to fishing for the season. Due to low water levels boating is limited to hand launched watercraft. Trailered craft are not likely to be allowed, although things may change.
Eleven Mile Reservoir is essentially ice free, however, at this time it has not been opened to boating. Shore anglers have been experiencing good results on a variety of lures and baits. Nearby Tarryall Reservoir has limited open water fishing.
Wolford Mountain Reservoir is opening in phases and is currently over half open. Expect it to be fully opened in a week or two depending on the weather. Anglers are reporting great rainbow action off the dam. Fly fishers will do well with small, dark streamers. Eggs and worms are great choice for the bait angler.
In the Grand Lake area, Shadow Mountain is opening up along with Grand Lake. Both are offering decent fishing for rainbows and browns. Granby is still under a coat of ice and isn’t considered safe.
The upper Eagle River is still running low and has been fishing well. As the days pass expect the levels to rise. As it discolors consider fishing larger nymphs, such as stones and streamers. Until that time Blue Winged Olives and midges are producing some dry fly action. Nymphing with eggs, midges, and stonefly patterns are a good choice.
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